A drug called 'monkey dust' which causes people to eat faces and jump from buildings is spreading in the UK — here's what it is

A man high on monkey dust jumped from a building in the UK, landed on a car, and proceeded to grapple with police officers. Sky News / YouTube

A drug known as “monkey dust” is sweeping across the north of the UK.

It’s also known as “bath salts,” and has been linked to violent face-eating attacks in the US.

The substance makes people feel strong, and can cause them to act dangerously.

Paramedics and police have been called to scenes where people have scaled buildings and jumped from great heights.

Side effects of the drug include a paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, and high blood pressure.

People sometimes take recreational drugs to escape, or to feel good. But a substance that is currently becoming an “epidemic” in the UK, according to police in the north of England, is causing psychotic, violent behaviour.

The drug, known as “monkey dust,” is sweeping across the northern UK, and is said to make users feel as though they have incredible strength akin to the Hulk, and can make them act dangerously — scaling buildings and jumping from great heights.

The substance is methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MDPV, and gives a similar feeling to that of Mcat or mephedrone, according to Why Not Find Out— an online source of information about drugs.

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It’s a class B drug in the UK to possess or sell, meaning if you’re caught with it you face an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. Selling or producing it can mean being locked away for 14 years.

MDPV looks like a fine white or brownish powder, and usually sells for about £10 to £15 for a gram, which is significantly cheaper than other recreational drugs like MDMA and cocaine. Sky News reports in Stoke-on-Trent it can be bought for as little as £2.

“It gives great energy and euphoria but can cause depression the following day,” according to Why Not Find Out. “It is addictive. It also makes people who take it smell of urine, as does their clothes and sheets.”

Other side effects include a paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, and high blood pressure.

MDPV has risen in popularity this summer in the UK, according to Sky News, with police and paramedics responding to a series of violent attacks and psychotic episodes, including people leaping from buildings and trying to fight with officers. Apparently, MDPV makes people fearless.

“When you are trying to restrain them it’s like you are dealing with someone who thinks they are the Incredible Hulk,” PC Rich Frost told Sky News. “The strength is unbelievable.”